Energy and Earth Resources

The department prepares its students for professional careers in geology (including preparation for the licensure exam), and to pursue graduate studies, if they wish. The energy resource geology concentration focuses primarily on understanding rocks and the stories they tell of past geologic events. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in the oil and gas, coal, aggregate, and minerals industries, for public service in regulating agencies, and for graduate study.

The environmental geology concentration emphasizes the study of surface processes to better understand the behavior of streams, groundwater, soils, and other surface systems. The movement of contaminants in surface systems and their effects on biological systems are also emphasized. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in hydrology, hydrogeology, environmental consulting, regulating agencies, and for graduate study.

The tracks, with several elective courses in geology, are designed to prepare students to pass exams required to become a licensed professional geologist in Pennsylvania and most states.

In cooperation with the Geology Club, students may participate in regular outings that include caving, rock and fossil collecting, hiking, and summer excursions to different parts of the United States.

Our faculty are committed to providing undergraduate research opportunities. Many of these opportunities are provided as faculty continue with their own research and field studies in their areas of specialization. Students also have the chance to work more independently on directed research and optional senior thesis projects tailored to their interests.